Xavi Simons turned down Real Madrid interest ahead of PSV Eindhoven move

Real Madrid are believed to have contacted former Barcelona youth prodigy Xavi Simons ahead of his recent exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 19-year-old Dutchman was previously one of the most highly rated talents in La Masia after his family moved from Netherlands to Spain when he was as a young child.

He went on to join PSG in 2019 aged 16 after failing to agree a new contract with Barcelona but has moved on again this summer. Now, Simons has joined PSV Eindhoven on a long-term contract, with the hope that the Eredivisie will provide the platform to properly start his senior career.

Simons made nine first-team appearances for PSG last season. But L’Equipe has reported that the lack of a clear message or defined role in Paris next season may have proved decisive in the player opting to consider offers elsewhere rather than sign fresh terms at Parc des Princes.

It is said that the way PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy approached discussions with communication described as ‘clear’ and ‘excellent’ was enough to tempt Simons to Eindhoven. He is also believed to have been encouraged by former PSV player Georginio Wjinaldum to head to the Eredivisie.

Real Madrid are reported to have got in touch with Simons about joining them, with an initial focus on being part of the Castilla squad. But things are not thought to have gone beyond ‘first contact’.

There also appears to be uncertainty over Simons’ longer-term future.

L’Equipe notes that sources from the PSG side of things claim they have negotiated a buy-back clause with PSV, but Dutch sources suggest the French giants have no such exclusivity and the only clause in the deal is an obligation to consider any €4m offers.

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